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What's the story?
In a piece of very surprising news, PWInsider has reported that former NWA Champion 'The Monster' Abyss, Impact Wrestling's last remaining original superstar, has parted ways with Impact Wrestling after 18 years. They are also claiming that he may be signing with WWE.
In case you didn't know...
Abyss has been with Impact Wrestling since the very beginning, back when they debuted as NWA: TNA in June 2002. He performed on the very first TNA show on June 19, 2002 under the name 'Justice', competing in the NWA World Championship Battle Royal Gauntlet main event. He was repackaged in June 2003 as 'The Monster' Abyss.
He has also performed as another alter ego for TNA, Abyss lawyer turned wrestled brother, Joseph Park, which he has played on and off from 2012 until his departure. Perhaps the highlight of Abyss career came in late 2006 when he defeated Sting to become the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Abyss also held the TNA X Division Championship, Tag Team Championship, NWA Tag Team Championship and TNA Television Championship.
This isn't actually the first time that Abyss has parted ways with Impact Wrestling. Abyss briefly left TNA in early 2005 and was reportedly heading to WWE. However, after a few weeks of being out of contract, he struck on a deal with TNA on the eleventh hour. Abyss almost left TNA once again in early 2006 and even had a meeting with WWE officials where he was presented with the idea of facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 22.
Surprisingly he turned it down and stuck with TNA. Abyss was rightfully inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.
The heart of the matter
PWInsider broke the news of Abyss parting Impact Wrestling this past Wednesday. The former NWA Champion was the last remaining original Impact Wrestling superstar, having been with the company since their June 2002 debut. At the time of writing, Abyss had been working for Impact Wrestling as both a wrestler and producer.
It is also being reported that Abyss may be signing with WWE, if he hasn't already. PWInsider have described Abyss leaving Impact as leaving for "great opportunities'' that he has been offered.
What's next?
Well, PWInsider is also reporting that Abyss may have already signed with WWE. Should this be true, the likelihood is that he has signed on in a producers role, and possibly a trainer. We will likely not be seeing Abyss the wrestler, in WWE.
In light of his new potential role in WWE, the 45-year-old may possibly announce his retirement from wrestling soon.
